‘A beer hits the spot’: Channel 7’s new boss’s bizarre introduction to staff
The new boss of the Seven Network has addressed a number of recent issues that has battered its reputation in an introductory email to all staff.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Well, that’s one way to address staff.
Seven Network’s new Chief Executive Officer issued what has been branded the most defensive “hello” email from an incoming staff member that they have ever seen.
Saturday Confidential can reveal the new CEO, Jeff Howard, sent all Seven staff a bizarre email which, in a way, addressed a number of recent controversies.
These include allegations made during a defamation trial that the network reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for money spent on cocaine, alcohol and sex workers. Seven has denied the claims.
“As you know, James left yesterday and I’ve taken on my new role today,” the internal e-mail read.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for the great people at Seven, and as we transition to a new future, I thought some reflections may help us move forward.
“First, some disclosures. I’m a family man first and foremost. I’ve never smoked. I don’t use drugs. Never have, never will. Call me boring but I don’t even drink coffee.
“Personally I like to stay fit and try to run everyday. Occasionally – like a lot of people – a glass of red or a beer hits the spot.
“Importantly, that’s just me. People can do what they want in their own time. I won’t judge. But when it impacts others — or the workplace — it’s a different story.”
The bombshell email also canvassed the ‘whatever it takes’ culture.
“Our business exists in a world of intense competition,’’ he wrote.
“Are, we the only ones who pay for content? Absolutely not. Should we be honest about it? Absolutely. We all want to win. Do we condone a ‘win at all costs’ attitude? No, we don’t.”
The email was sent on the same day as a Seven West Media board meeting was held.
Industry insiders believed it was only a matter of time before 83-year-old billionaire and controlling shareholder, Kerry Stokes, sold the network.
“Seven West Media is less than 1 per cent of Kerry Stokes’ assets. But it accounts for 99 per cent of his problems,” they said.
“So why is Kerry still in the TV business? Because he’s a TV genius. He understands TV better than anyone. He loves television. But he’s constantly let down by executives.
“(Kerry’s) patience is wearing thin. Anyone who knows Kerry Stokes knows he is a good, fair-minded Australian. What’s been happening at Spotlight is appalling. He is livid. It does not represent his values.”
It was initially reported that outgoing CEO James Warburton would step down before the end of the financial year but has left the company 10 weeks earlier than expected.
“Seven staff are calling him the captain of the Costa Concordia! He’s the captain that abandoned the sinking ship,” an insider said.
One man reportedly in the firing line of the constant board meetings of late is Seven’s director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson. He has reportedly been in a battle with Mark Llewelleyn over who is to blame for the unravelling of Spotlight.
“The board’s focus has squarely been on Craig McPherson, the man in charge of the department responsible for a series of blunders that has left Seven in chaos,” they said. “What’s happened on Spotlight, the culture at 7 News and now Sunrise naming the wrong Bondi killer.
“And it’s the second time that’s happened under Craig’s watch, after 7 News incorrectly named little Cleo’s kidnapper.”
Got a news tip? Email weekendtele@news.com.au
Motorcyclist dies after hitting tree
A young motorcyclist has died in the Hunter Valley after colliding with a tree. Here’s the latest.
‘Prolonged and repeated’: Mother’s $4k social media scam
A woman who was caught red-handed swindling 10 people on Facebook Marketplace in dodgy phone deals has been told her methods were ‘calculated’ and ‘repeated’.